Efficacy and feasibility of autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma with secondary central nervous system involvement

Int J Hematol. 2015 Dec;102(6):678-88. doi: 10.1007/s12185-015-1874-1.

Abstract

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a fatal complication of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of high-dose chemotherapy containing busulfan and thiotepa followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT) in DLBCL with secondary CNS involvement. Thirty-one patients with secondary CNS involvement including CNS involvement at diagnosis (n = 9), isolated CNS relapse (n = 14), and CNS involvement with systemic disease progression or relapse (n = 8) were selected and analyzed from our prospective cohorts. Of these, 12 patients, including seven with isolated CNS relapse, successfully completed HDC-ASCT without engraftment failure or transplantation-related mortality. After ASCT, six patients were alive; however, three patients experienced post-transplantation relapse. With a median follow-up of 29 months after secondary CNS involvement, the median overall survival of 31 patients was 9 months (95% CI 5–12 months). The survival outcomes of patients who had undergone HDC-ASCT were significantly better than those of patients who did not (p < 0.01). Accordingly, patients with isolated CNS relapse tended to have a longer survival outcome than other cases. Our results suggest that HDC-ASCT may provide survival benefits in DLBCL patients with secondary CNS involvement, especially in case of isolated CNS relapse.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Autografts
  • Busulfan / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / therapy*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stem Cell Transplantation* / mortality
  • Survival Rate
  • Thiotepa / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Thiotepa
  • Busulfan